Simply Straws (borosolicate glass straws)
Simply Straws offers sets of quality glass straws with rounded tips and 1.5mm thick walls, produced with German-engineered glass for a strong product that is easy to recycle, at end of use. Sold in sustainable packaging (with an inlay to secure the straws and cover sleeve).
Unless you have a medical condition that requires one, you don’t need drinking straws (you could use your lips?) But as billions are used worldwide, it makes sense to look at reusable alternatives.
Borosilicate straws are shatter-resistant (the same as Pyrex dishes) and easy to sterilise. They can break, so try not to drop them on the floor!
Don’t give straws to babies (as for pets, they are choking hazards). Open cups let babies develop facial muscles for speech/eating.
How to clean reusable straws
Rinse straws after use, then use a small brush (usually included with reusable straws) to clean with warm soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry before storing, to avoid odours.
Why avoid plastic drinking straws?
Many countries (since that viral video of the turtle with a plastic straw stuck up its nostril) have now banned single-use plastic straws. But many countries (including the USA) haven’t, and millions of old plastic straws are still used, if bought years ago.
Which countries have banned plastic straws?
Not many, the majority of countries worldwide still allow them. In the US, there is no federal ban, but some states (like Florida and California) have brought in bans. President Trump has not only reversed a ban on plastic straws, but ordered all federal departments to not use paper ones, presumably to support the oil industry (plastic is made from oil).
A few years back, McDonald’s replaced plastic straws (but not plastic lids, which rather defeats the point) on their McFlurry’s. Which led to a petition of over 50,000 people demanding they be returned, as the paper ones ‘went soggy’. Then it was found that the new paper straws could not be recycled, so they had to go back and redesign them. We have a long way to go.
